Google scholarship fuels Tech computer science student’s research journey
It’s been a year of impactful research and discoveries for Gabriel Porteiro, a Tennessee Tech computer science major from Pirassununga, Brazil.
Porteiro, who anticipates a May 2026 graduation, has been reaping the benefits of having received the Generation Google Scholarship for the 2024-2025 academic year. He was one of just 50 students selected from 2,500 applicants for the prestigious award and is now part of a community of exceptional students from across North America who have a demonstrated passion for technology.
“The financial support of this scholarship allowed me to completely focus on my academic career for a full year,” Porteiro said. “I have enjoyed my time doing research at Tennessee Tech, and it opened my eyes to different paths, including my plans to move forward to graduate school to study the intersection of finance and computer science.”
Since receiving the scholarship, Porteiro has completed a year of research with computer science associate professor Susmit Shannigrahi, Ph.D., focusing on NDN-Hydra, a distributed system for researchers across the country.
“It’s been a joy to mentor Gabriel this year,” Shannigrahi said. “He has shown remarkable initiative and curiosity, and his work on NDN-Hydra has made valuable contributions to our research group.”
The Generation Google Scholarship, sponsored by Google and administered by the Institute of International Education, Inc., was established to help students pursuing computer science degrees excel in technology and become leaders in the field.
“Scholarships like the Generation Google award make it possible for talented students like Gabriel to pursue ambitious research,” Shannigrahi said. “He embodies the spirit of discovery we strive to foster in the computer science program at Tennessee Tech.”
Outside of his coursework and research, Porteiro works as a software engineering intern with Local SEO Partners and serves as a global ambassador for Tennessee Tech’s Center for Global Experiences. Another recent highlight was winning third place in the university’s Spring 2025 Eagle Works Innovation & Entrepreneurship competition for his app, The Cookeville Buzz, which connects the community with local events, business and happenings.
After graduation, he plans to continue his graduate studies at Tennessee Tech, having gotten a head start through the university’s Fast Track program, which allows undergraduates to earn graduate credit and complete a master’s degree in as little as one additional year.
“I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the faculty and community within the computer science department,” Porteiro said. “I would like to give special thanks to Dr. Shannigrahi for his invaluable mentorship and the collaborative opportunities provided while participating in his research team. His immense effort and dedication to his students’ success were instrumental in this accomplishment.”